‘Meet fairandfunky friends’ is our blog series in which we get to know the people we work with, understand what makes them tick, and how together we take little steps to change the world. Ahead of our ECO conference to celebrate World Environment Day on the 5th June, we welcome Victoria from Yorkshire Muddings to the blog to answer our questions…..
Who are you, where are you from and what do you do? I’m Victoria, I’m a mum of 2 girls, we’re from Holmfirth and I own a forest school called Yorkshire Muddings. We have a woodland at Tong Garden Centre and one over in North Yorkshire – I also run the forest school provision at Hepworth School too. We’re always looking for new woodland sites if anyone knows of any in or around the Holme Valley, let me know!
What makes you a fairandfunky friend? We share the same values – which is to respect the environment and to do our very best to care for it and encourage the next generation of adults to respect it too. I think we both lead by example and, instead of talking about the things we “should” do to support and protect the earth, we actively do them and encourage others to do the same!
What little steps do you take to change the world? I made a promise to myself at the beginning of this year that I wasn’t going to buy any brand new clothing (within reason – I do treat us all to new swimwear and pants!!) for myself and for my children for the whole of 2024 – I’ve stuck to it 100% and am so proud! It’s totally changed how I shop, I have to be more organised and plan ahead as you can’t just walk into a charity shop and immediately find what you’re looking for but there are SO many re-selling sites and with the amazing charity shops we have in Holmfirth it’s been easy peasy. I read a stat that said there is currently enough clothing in the world RIGHT NOW to clothe the next 6 generations of people – how crazy is that?!
Who influences or inspires you? And why? I’m really inspired by people like Angela Hanscom who owns TimberNook (a nature-based programme known across the globe) and the 1000 Hours outside movement – I think anyone who actively encourages children to spend time outside in ALL WEATHERS has really helped shape my experience of parenting and made me confident to advocate for something I so deeply believe in.
How do YOU inspire others to take little steps to change the world? Well hopefully, people feel inspired by Muddings to just slow down, bask in the simplicity of childhood and allow their children a slow, wild, free, childhood out in nature.
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